course guide placement bsc(hons) biotechnology with sandwich · chosen career in any of the varied...

Wolverhampton School of SciencesBSc(Hons) Biotechnology with SandwichPlacementCourse Guide

2018-19September

About this guide

This is your course guide. It provides the basic but fundamental information about your course of study. Thisguide is yours for the duration of the course, we don’t re-issue it annually and if any information containedwithin were to change then we will write to you to explain so.

In particular, if any important aspects relating to your modules were to change then we will inform you inaccordance with the Code of Practice for the Management of Changes to Modules and Courses. The teachingand support teams which you will get to know over time will refer to this guide – it will be useful to you andwe advise you to make good use of it throughout your studies.

The Course Guide should be read in conjunction with the more general sources of information which relate toall students at the University. The Student Handbook is a very detailed reference point for all issues relating toyour studies which aren’t specific to just your particular course. You might also want to refer to the StudentCharter; the University’s Policies and Regulations and the University Assessment Handbook documents whichwill provide you with all of the information that we think you will need for your period of study here.

If you need additional information, or you simply want to discuss elements of any of these documents or otheraspects of your course, find that there is something you need to know, please contact your Faculty StudentServices:

Faculty Student Services

We can help with the administration and organisation of your time at University – from enrolment andmodule registration, tuition fee enquiries, attendance support, course management and lifecycle queries,extenuating circumstances, leave of absence, transfers and changes, assignment submission, SAMsappointments, assessment and result queries, right through to Graduation.

You can also come and talk to us for impartial advice and support if things are starting to go wrong and you’renot sure who else to talk to. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone. We see large numbers ofstudents over the course of a year on a variety of issues, so please don’t be afraid to approach us.

We are here to ensure that your transition into Higher Education is as smooth as possible. Normal officeopening hours are Monday-Friday 08:45-17:00.

You can contact us through the e:vision help desk, by phone or in person or by e-mail:

Faculty of Science andEngineering (CityCampus)

Alan Turing Building MI 024 (01902) 322129 [email protected]

Faculty of Science andEngineering (TelfordCampus)

The Darby Building SC 041 (01902) 322129 [email protected]

Help and Advice is alsoavailable from StudentSupport & Wellbeing…

Contact us at the Alan TuringBuilding MI 001 for all enquiries andreferrals… Services operate at allcampuses by appointment.

(01902) 321074(01902) 321070

[email protected]@wlv.ac.uk

Welcome from the Course Leader

On behalf of the teaching and support teams from BSc(Hons) Biotechnology with Sandwich Placement course,I would like to extend to you a very warm welcome to the University of Wolverhampton, and in particular yourcampus.

My name is Roy Protheroe and I am the course leader for your BSc(Hons) Biotechnology with Sandwich

Placement course and alongside your personal tutor, will be your main point of contact over the duration ofyour studies. My contact details are below – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any support orguidance.

The successes which you will achieve whilst at the University are based upon a partnership between theexpertise and support from the staff here and the effort you put into learning. We welcome students who areeager to think for themselves, to take control of their own learning and who are ready to get involved indeveloping the skills required in a highly competitive job market. Make the most of the wide range ofopportunities available to you.

Studying at University can be difficult, and for many of you the transition into University life will bechallenging. However we will support you throughout your course, particularly whilst you develop into anindependent learner over the course of your first year with us.

We believe it is important that you are encouraged to make your own contribution to the effective operationand development of your chosen course. We hope that you might consider acting as a Course Representativeduring some of your time with us to help the University continue to improve your experience.

I would like to wish you every success with your studies. We look forward to working with you and hope thatyou enjoy your time with us.

Roy Protheroe

Course Management and Staff Involvement

RoleRole NameName SpecialismSpecialism eMaileMail Tel. Ext.Tel. Ext. RoomRoom

Head of Department Dr Edward Mole [email protected] 2126 MA206

Course Leader Dr Roy Protheroe [email protected] 2340 MA203

Student Advisor Miss Jennifer Norwood [email protected] 1183 MI024

Student Advisor Miss Kimberley Turner [email protected] 3577 MI024

Faculty Enabling Tutor Mrs Sheri Sankey [email protected] 1857 MI122

Educational Aims of the Course

Biotechnology is a rapidly expanding discipline which is finding applications throughout society includingmedicine, agriculture and the environment. The BSc Biotechnology course will provide a grounding in thebasic principles of microbiology, plant biology, cell biology, genetics and the structure and function ofbiomolecules necessary to underpin the study of Biotechnology and demonstrate how these principles areapplied for the development of useful products and applications.

Specialist facilities will enable the investigation of the biology of the cell and the nature of genes together withthe biochemical analysis of biological products. The course explores the physicochemical principlesassociated with fermentation design and operations for the processing of materials by microbial, animal andplant cells (and their enzymes) including genetic modification to make useful products or purposes.

The course will also explore the social consequences of developments in biotechnology, considering thebenefits and risks connected with recombinant DNA experiments and the use or release of geneticallymodified organisms and their products.

What makes this programme distinctive?

The emphasis throughout the course will be on the applied nature of the study of biotechnology in terms ofhow fundamental knowledge can be applied to tangible vocational situations and problems, together with theacquisition of practical and generic skills. The intention of this approach will be to prepare students for theirchosen career in any of the varied career options made available by a degree in Biotechnology.

Former students have found employment in careers involving medical, environmental and industrialbiotechnology, together with careers such as teaching. To achieve this the award is structured to enablechallenges to apply information effectively, to work in teams, to gain actual industrial experience, to learnfrom the experiences of professionals, to acquire technical competence and to develop generic and timemanagement skills.

A placement can be undertaken anywhere; local, national or even, in some instances, international. During aplacement, you will be doing similar work to a normal employee of the organisation giving you a uniqueinsight into your chosen profession or sector, the opportunity to acquire crucial personal skills and also theopportunity to build a network of useful contacts. Many companies that employ graduates use placementprogrammes as a method of recruitment so you could be fast tracked into employment or onto one of theirgraduate schemes if you impress them.

The team at The Workplace constantly search for new placement opportunities but if you find an opportunitythat interests you or you have been successful in securing one yourself, contact them for further informationand support.

Course Structure

September (Sandwich)September (Sandwich)

Year 1Year 1

ModuleModule TitleTitle CreditsCredits PeriodPeriod TypeType

4AB008 Bioscience Skills 20 SEM1 Core

4AB007 Plants and the Environment 20 SEM1 Core

4AB012 Microbiology with Immunology 20 SEM2 Core

4BM006 Disease Biology and Public Health 20 SEM2 Core

4PY013 Molecular Basis of Life 20 SEM2 Core

For this option group you must choose a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 20 creditsFor this option group you must choose a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 20 credits

4BC001 Chemistry for Forensic and Molecular Science 20 SEM1

4BC002 Forensic and Molecular Chemistry 20 SEM1

4WL002 Basic Language 20 SEM1

4WL003 Elementary Language 20 SEM1


Year 2Year 2

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/careers-enterprise-and-the-workplace/the-workplace/student-support/placements-/


5BC001 Molecular Biosciences 20 SEM1 Core

5BC003 Molecular Biosciences Practical Techniques 20 SEM1 Core

5AB008 Cellular and Organismal Biosciences 20 SEM2 Core

5AB012 Analytical Techniques in Biosciences 20 SEM2 Core

5AB025 Food Microbiology and Biochemistry 20 SEM2 Core

For this option group you must choose a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 20 creditsFor this option group you must choose a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 20 credits

5PY017 Pharmaceutical Microbiology 20 SEM1

5BC002 Proteins 20 SEM1

5WL001 Basic Language 20 SEM1

5WL002 Elementary Language 20 SEM1


Year 3Year 3


5AB017 Sandwich Placement 40 YEAR Core


Year 4Year 4


6AB003 Honours Project in Biological and Forensic Sciences 40 YEAR Core

6AB001 Microbial Biotechnology 20 SEM1 Core

6BC002 Gene Manipulation and Bioinformatics 20 SEM1 Core

6AB002 Plant Biotechnology 20 SEM2 Core

6AB006 Contemporary Issues in Biology 20 SEM2 Core

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning OutcomeLearning Outcome Contributing ModulesContributing Modules

CertHE Course Learning Outcome 1 CertHE Course Learning Outcome 1 (CHECLO1)(CHECLO1)

Demonstrate knowledge of the underlyingconcepts and principles associated with your

4AB007 Plants and the Environment4AB008 Bioscience Skills4AB012 Microbiology with Immunology4BC001 Chemistry for Forensic and Molecular Science

area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate andinterpret these within the context of that area ofstudy.

4BC002 Forensic and Molecular Chemistry4BM006 Disease Biology and Public Health4PY013 Molecular Basis of Life


Demonstrate an ability to present, evaluate andinterpret qualitative and quantitative data, inorder to develop lines of argument and makesound judgements in accordance with basictheories and concepts of your subject(s) of study.

4AB007 Plants and the Environment4AB008 Bioscience Skills4AB012 Microbiology with Immunology4BC001 Chemistry for Forensic and Molecular Science4BC002 Forensic and Molecular Chemistry4BM006 Disease Biology and Public Health4PY013 Molecular Basis of Life


Evaluate the appropriateness of differentapproaches to solving problems related to yourarea(s) of study and/or work.



Communicate the results of your study/workaccurately and reliably, and with structured andcoherent arguments.



Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skillsnecessary for employment requiring the exerciseof some personal responsibility.


DipHE Course Learning Outcome 1 DipHE Course Learning Outcome 1 (DHECLO1)(DHECLO1)

Demonstrate knowledge and criticalunderstanding of the well-established principlesof your area(s) of study, and of the way in whichthose principles have developed with anunderstanding of the limits of your knowledge,and how this influences analyses andinterpretations based on that knowledge.

5AB008 Cellular and Organismal Biosciences5AB012 Analytical Techniques in Biosciences5AB017 Sandwich Placement5BC001 Molecular Biosciences5BC002 Proteins5BC003 Molecular Biosciences Practical Techniques5EH001 Food Microbiology and Biochemistry5PY017 Pharmaceutical Microbiology


Demonstrate the ability to apply underlyingconcepts and principles outside the context inwhich they were first studied, including, whereappropriate, the application of those principles inan employment context.



Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods ofenquiry in the subject(s) relevant to the namedaward, and ability to evaluate critically theappropriateness of different approaches tosolving problems in the field of study.



Use a range of established techniques to initiateand undertake critical analysis of information,

5AB008 Cellular and Organismal Biosciences5AB012 Analytical Techniques in Biosciences5AB017 Sandwich Placement

and to propose solutions to problems arising fromthat analysis.

5BC001 Molecular Biosciences5BC002 Proteins5BC003 Molecular Biosciences Practical Techniques5EH001 Food Microbiology and Biochemistry5PY017 Pharmaceutical Microbiology


Effectively communicate information, argumentsand analysis in a variety of forms to specialist andnon-specialist audiences, and deploy keytechniques of the discipline effectively.



Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skillsnecessary for employment, requiring the exerciseof personal responsibility and decision-makingand undertake further training, developingexisting skills and acquire new competences thatwill enable them to assume significantresponsibility within organisations.


Ordinary Degree Course Learning Outcome 1Ordinary Degree Course Learning Outcome 1(ORDCLO1)(ORDCLO1)

Understand and apply the basic principles ofmicrobiology, plant biology, cell biology, geneticsand the structure and function of biomoleculesnecessary to underpin the study of biotechnology.

6AB006 Contemporary Issues in Biology6BC002 Gene Manipulation and Bioinformatics


Recognise and analyse the complex relationshipsbetween form and function in microorganisms,including their growth and development oforganisms and their adaptation to theenvironment.

6AB003 Honours Project in Biological and Forensic Sciences


Perform laboratory analysis safely and reliablyrelating for the production and analysis ofbiological materials. Gather and formulatescientific information, reliably collate and analysedata and apply appropriate statistical tests.

6AB001 Microbial Biotechnology6AB002 Plant Biotechnology6AB003 Honours Project in Biological and Forensic Sciences6AB006 Contemporary Issues in Biology


Demonstrate knowledge of the industrialprocessing of materials by cells and enzymes,including genetic modification, to make usefulproducts or purposes.

6AB001 Microbial Biotechnology6AB002 Plant Biotechnology6AB003 Honours Project in Biological and Forensic Sciences6AB006 Contemporary Issues in Biology6BC002 Gene Manipulation and Bioinformatics


Use knowledge of physicochemical principlesassociated with fermentation design to enable theprocessing of materials.


Recognise the social and ethical consequences ofdevelopments in biotechnology, considering the

6AB002 Plant Biotechnology

benefits and risks connected with recombinantDNA experiments and the use or release ofgenetically modified organisms and theirproducts.Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 1Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 1(DEGCLO1)(DEGCLO1)

Understand and apply the basic principles ofmicrobiology, plant biology, cell biology, geneticsand the structure and function of biomoleculesnecessary to underpin the study of biotechnology.

6AB006 Contemporary Issues in Biology6BC002 Gene Manipulation and Bioinformatics

Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 2Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 2(DEGCLO2)(DEGCLO2)

Recognise and analyse the complex relationshipsbetween form and function in microorganisms,including their growth and development oforganisms and their adaptation to theenvironment.

6AB003 Honours Project in Biological and Forensic Sciences


Perform laboratory analysis safely and reliablyrelating for the production and analysis ofbiological materials. Gather and formulatescientific information, reliably collate and analysedata and apply appropriate statistical tests.

6AB001 Microbial Biotechnology6AB002 Plant Biotechnology6AB003 Honours Project in Biological and Forensic Sciences6AB006 Contemporary Issues in Biology


Demonstrate knowledge of the industrialprocessing of materials by cells and enzymes,including genetic modification, to make usefulproducts or purposes.

6AB001 Microbial Biotechnology6AB002 Plant Biotechnology6AB003 Honours Project in Biological and Forensic Sciences6AB006 Contemporary Issues in Biology6BC002 Gene Manipulation and Bioinformatics


Use knowledge of physicochemical principlesassociated with fermentation design to enable theprocessing of materials.


Recognise the social and ethical consequences ofdevelopments in biotechnology, considering thebenefits and risks connected with recombinantDNA experiments and the use or release ofgenetically modified organisms and theirproducts.

6AB002 Plant Biotechnology

PSRB

None

Employability in the Curriculum

Having studied BSc Biotechnology, a wide range of careers within the life sciences awaits you. Research anddevelopment opportunities will be open to you such as working for multinational biological, agricultural,

agrochemical, medical and pharmaceutical companies, food and drink industries and specialist biotechnologycompanies. In addition, you could gain employment in the fields of consultancy and teaching, or become abusiness research scientist, or a skilled technician in industry and food research institutions. The skills youlearn can also be applied to a wide range of non-scientific careers You could pursue a wide range of othercareers including retail management and public services.

The completion of a Sandwich Year will enable you to gain valuable hands on experience in a relevant workenvironment. This will not only provide additional practical subject skills but it will also develop personaltransferable skills such as communication skills, problem solving skills and demonstrate competency inworking with other people. This will increase your employability and assist you in gaining employment in thefuture.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The award will include a diverse range and variety of learning activities. These may include lectures, tutorials,seminars, practicals, discussion and work experiences.

Information central to a module will be principally delivered by lectures with a proportion through directed e-learning. Fundamental principles will be reinforced and given applied relevance by case studies withintutorials and seminars. Increasingly, problem based exercises will be used to enable the application ofknowledge to actual situations. Group working will be encouraged both within formal sessions and on-line.

Practical skills will be undertaken and practiced to increasing levels of independence from the use ofelementary equipment, to more advanced skills development and ultimately to the independent final yearproject as students progress through the course. Vocational experience and relevance will be promoted by theWork Experience module, Sandwich Placement and the use within modules of presentations by guestspeakers with vocational specialism to emphasise the applied relevance of module content.

Digital literacy: This will be central to most activities. This will range from module organisation,familiarisation with core module content, literature searching, data analysis with interpretation andproduction of various forms of assessed work (including essays, posters, visual aids and practical reports) forformative and summative submission. Assessed work is increasingly submitted, marked and made availablefor feedback electronically.

Knowledge and Enterprising: The use of problem based teaching and application of information will enable anappreciation of fundamental knowledge and how principles can be put to use. These approaches enable thedevelopment of enterprising mechanisms for solving problems. Students will be encouraged to seekplacement and to gain industrial experience which will require enterprise in job seeking.

Global Citizens: Throughout the course students will be given the opportunity to consider case studies andreal life situations which will be drawn not only from UK examples but also worldwide, to give aninternational perspective.

Reference Points

QAA Subject Benchmark Statement – Biosciences (2007).

Academic Regulations Exemptions

None

Support with your studies

University Learning Centres are the key source of academic information for students providing access to:

Physical library resources (books, journal, DVDs etc.)Study areas to allow students to study in the environment that suits them best: Social areas, quiet andsilent areas.A wide range of online information sources, including eBooks, e-journals and subject databasesAcademic skills support via the Skills for Learning programmeStudents on campus can attend workshops or ask for one-to-one help on a range of skills such asacademic writing and referencing.Dedicated Subject Pages to enable you to explore key online information sources that are recommendedfor their studies.Physical access to local libraries both in UK and overseas via SCONUL and WorldCat agreements

We also strongly advise you to download to “MyWLV” student app. MyWLV is a single point of personalisedaccess to the variety of systems the University offers. This includes pulling through relevant information (e.g.deadlines, timetables) and linking to underlying systems.

Leave of Absence:

The University allows breaks in learning of up to two years and there is a process for applying for a leave ofabsence, which can be accessed through your e:Vision account. Initially you will need to apply for the leave ofabsence, which could be for medical, parental or personal reasons. A short-term absence, such as annual leave,must not be recorded as a break. The course leader will consider, and where appropriate agree, the leave ofabsence application. A return date will be identified and agreed for a suitable point in the programme.Additional course fees may be incurred as a result of a leave of absence and you are advised to discuss thiswith the Faculty Student Services team prior to application.

Course Specific Support

A well established system of proven effectiveness will exist for student support throughout the course.Students will have readily accessible (made possible via the SAMS appointment system) separate personaland award tutors to give guidance and assistance with course and module related problems as necessary.

Academic skills will be introduced initially by the Biosciences Skills module which runs throughout the firstyear to provide a foundation in literature searching, data collection, statistical analysis and scientificpresentation, including writing, referencing and oral presentation. The skills module will support both genericand practical skills which will be used on related modules during the year.

These skills will then be developed throughout modules with specific emphasis on particular skills forexample group working (4AB012), practical competence (5BC003 and (5AB007/5AB012), preparation for project(5AB012/5AB007) case studies (6AB001) and oral presentation (6AB003).

Development of skills will be assisted by workshops and formative assessment exercises to prepare forsummative assessment with timely and constructive feedback from assessed work to foster experientiallearning.

Contact Hours

In higher education, the term ‘contact hours’ is used very broadly, to refer to the amount of time that youspend learning in contact with teaching or associated staff, when studying for a particular course.

This time provides you with the support in developing your subject knowledge and skills, and opportunitiesto develop and reflect on your own, independent learning. Contact time can take a wide variety of formsdepending on your subject, as well as where and how you are studying. Some of the most common examplesare:

lectures

seminarstutorialsproject supervisionsdemonstrationspractical classes and workshopssupervised time in a studio/workshopfieldworkexternal visitswork-based learning (including placements)scheduled virtual interaction with tutor such as on line, skype, telephone

In UK higher education, you as the student take primary responsibility for your own learning. In this context,contact time with teaching and associated staff is there to help shape and guide your studies. It may be usedto introduce new ideas and equip you with certain knowledge or skills, demonstrate practical skills for you topractise independently, offer guidance on project work, or to provide personalised feedback.

Alongside contact time, private or independent study is therefore very significant. This is the time that youspend learning without direct supervision from, or contact with, a member of staff. It might includebackground reading, preparation for seminars or tutorials, follow-up work, wider practice, the completion ofassignments, revision, and so on.

50 Day Engagement:

You will be withdrawn from the University if you fail to engage with the academic requirements of yourcourse of study, within 50 days of the course start date, following repeated and reasonable attempts by theUniversity to contact you.

Course Specific Health and Safety Issues

No specific health and safety issues have been recorded for this provision, but should this change your CourseLeader will make you aware of this and provide relevant guidance as appropriate.

Course Fact File

Hierarchy of Awards:Hierarchy of Awards: Bachelor of Science with Honours Biotechnology, having satisfactorily completed asandwich placement Bachelor of Science Biotechnology, having satisfactorily completed a sandwichplacement Bachelor of Science with Honours Biotechnology Diploma of Higher Education Applied Biotechnology Certificate of Higher Education Applied Biotechnology University Statement of Credit University Statement of Credit

Course Codes:Course Codes: AB017K23UV Sandwich 4 Years

UCAS Code:UCAS Code: J701

Awarding Body / Institution:Awarding Body / Institution: University of Wolverhampton

School / Institute:School / Institute: Wolverhampton School of Sciences

Category of Partnership:Category of Partnership: Not delivered in partnership

Location of Delivery:Location of Delivery: University of Wolverhampton

Teaching Institution:Teaching Institution: University of Wolverhampton

Published: 15-Aug-2018 (Auto Published)

course guide placement bsc(hons) biotechnology with sandwich · chosen career in any of the varied...

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